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Review: Legenderry Green Hornet #1

Posted on February 17, 2015 by

Dynamite has a tenuous property on its hands with the Green Hornet. As a superhero he has really had his day, which was in the 1960s when he competed with Batman on television for popularity. Most attempts to revive the character into a comic format have been short lived, even if their quality might have been decent enough. With the recent popularity of steampunk as a sub-genre within science fiction, Dynamite decided on its own League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, albeit with the mostly public domain characters that it was presently publishing or had recently. Even then the Green Hornet seemed like a strange choice. The character is after all one that depends on certain modern inventions, and for whom there is usually not as strong a case in steampunk (for instance with the automobile).

With Legenderry Green Hornet all of these limitations seem to of less importance as the setting is able to fill in the gaps which the characters are lacking. Instead of the signature car, Britt Reid is relegated to horse and buggy, even when such “autocarriages” are available to others that have brought them from the science wonder city. With the hero able to function as a facsimile of other heroes because of his lack of a connection to much else in popular culture, the remainder of the story is left to take up the slack, and it does so. Part of what makes this work is the introduction of four separate villains, each with different intentions, but all of them dangerous in their own way. Some might think that four villains might confuse a story, but here they are presented in a logical way, which allows the story to be told.

There are three miniseries attached to the Legenderry universe, and of this, Red Sonja and Vampirella, this one comes out looking the weakest, though still a readable story. It may not be extremely noteworth, but it still captures the essence of steampunk which so few series attempt and even fewer manage to do effectively. It succeeds by not focusing too much on the main heroes, and this results in a fun and entertaining story which fits well within the shared universe.

Story: Daryl Gregory Art: Brent Peeples
Story: 7.7 Art: 7.7 Overall: 7.7 Recommendation: Read

Dynamite provided Graphic Policy with a free copy for review.

We Talk Legenderry Vampirella with David Avallone

Posted on February 6, 2015 by

David Avallone is a comic rookie, although with an impressive writing career in other mediums. Despite his lack of experience he hit the ground running with Legenderry Vampirella, a steampunk take on the bad girl character. We got a chance to talk science, feminism and goggles.

Graphic Policy: Legenderry is a world of characters from Dynamite put into a steampunk setting. Why do you think that steampunk has become so popular as a sub-genre of science fiction?

David Avallone: Of course, any individual fan might have a different answer to this question, but I can think of a couple of things. The future is notoriously hard to visualize well. Steampunk allows the creator and the audience to have comfortable, attractive visual and thematic “hooks” to hang the story on. Also, it’s probably not a coincidence that science fiction, in the modern sense, originates in the late Victorian era. Jules Verne and H.G. Wells were creating steampunk before there was steampunk. The Nautilus and Cavor’s moon capsule and the Martian War Tripods and the Time Machine are all a beautiful cross between the Industrial Revolution and the then-undreamed future. That’s irresistible. I would say that trend even extends to Star Wars, which owes as much to the 1870s and the 1930s – design-wise – as any imaginary future.

GP: What were the challenges of incorporating Vampirella into a steampunk setting? And were there aspects of the character that were vital to keep?

DA: I can’t claim to be the one who faced the initial challenge: our steampunk Vampirella is the creation of original Legenderry writer Bill Willingham and artist Sergio Fernandez Davila. I think they kept her essense while dropping maybe her most iconic aspect: the 1969 monokini costume. That’s my favorite thing about Legenderry Vampirella: she proves she’s more than just the costume. The most basic aspect of Vampirella that I’ve tried to maintain is her incredible strength. Not physical strength, but strength of character. She is no one’s victim, no one’s damsel-in-distress. In this series she gets some help from men (and a lot of women) but she is always in charge of every situation, and always the smartest, toughest one in the room.

As an aside… Bill Willingham prefers his own neologism “SteamPulp” for the world of Legenderry, because the elements are really more Pulp than Punk.

GP: The genre is still somewhat based on science, even if it does sometimes incorporate in some magical qualities. How do find the balance between a supernatural character and this scientific focus?

DA: This is a tough one to answer without spoilers, but let’s just say Vampirella has had a few origin stories over the years and I have leaned heavily in the direction of science fiction and away from the supernatural.

GP: Vampirella is a strong female character, but generally one that is based in modern times. Is it harder to base a strong character in a time when women were less empowered than they are now?

DA: I’ve thought about this a lot, actually. Unlike some writers of iconic female heroes, I’m happy to identify myself – and Vampirella — as Feminists.

“Legenderry” is, of course, an imaginary world… but to a large extent their cultural mores mirror ours from the turn of the 20th Century. As a writer, I think it’s more interesting, and not necessarily harder, to tell a story of a strong, empowered woman in a time of greater oppression. Honestly, even in the stories set in modern times, an aspect that makes Vampirella “scary” – on a cultural level – is that she can’t be oppressed, she won’t be controlled, she won’t shut up and she won’t stand down. And that’s why I absolutely love her, and love writing her.

GP: It seems like one of the challenges with Vampirella is that she is a hero that has no problems killing her foes, and thus she does not have an arch-nemesis or even a common group of villains. Was that a problem when interpreting this story?

DA: I can’t claim this is a very original observation, but she’s almost like writing Superman. There’s no one like her, and she’s virtually invulnerable. In fact, I’ve been trying to work this one Kryptonite-related joke into every issue and I still haven’t been able to find a spot for it yet. Because of the science fiction setting, I have been able to effectively threaten her life in a lot of situations… or at least present her with challenges she’s not sure she can survive.

In the past I think Dracula has been presented as her Arch-Villain, but I’m leaving him completely out of this. Bill set up a “Council of Evil”, to which I’ve added a handful of my favorite (public domain) villains from literature. Collectively they have a lot of resources and skills and are a real danger to her: an army of ants can take out a scorpion.

GP: Vampirella is a character already from different eras. Her popularity began as a pulp heroine with a cult following in the 1960s when such characters were still considered taboo and so escaped mainstream success. Equally the character has struggled at times to gain a following in the modern day. Is there a time and place where you think the character best fits?

DA: She started out very much like a character from a Hammer horror movie and she’s come a long way since then. I think she’s been dismissed by some fans and readers, over the years, because of the costume, and because of the perception there isn’t a lot more to her than exposed flesh. (And let’s face it, she has also gained a lot of readers because of the costume, and the exposed flesh.) I also think the frequent re-writing of her origin story hasn’t helped. But she’s still around, and her longevity speaks well of the ability of the character to apply to all sorts of genre settings. For myself, I don’t see a limit to the kinds of stories you could tell with her.

GP: What can we look forward to in this series?

DA: A kickass heroine in a fascinating setting, with a fun supporting cast. Robots and airships and swordplay and disintegrator pistols and autogyros and a whole lot of “spot the 19th century literary character”. A little more seriously, I hope people find a compelling adventure about a very powerful woman trying to make her way in a hostile world.

GP: Is there any other character that you think would benefit from the same treatment?

DA: Short answer: steampunk Nick Fury. He was the first comic book character I loved as a kid.

Longer: When I was asked to do this book, I had a nice phone call with Bill Willingham, and I told him some of the characters I wanted to bring into his world of Legenderry, and he gave his enthusiastic approval. So the real answers to this question are already in the book.

I wouldn’t mind doing a steampunk epic where the superteam is Kafka’s Joseph K, Lovecraft’s Randolph Carter and William Burroughs’ Inspector Lee of the Nova police.

I’ve had an idea for decades about a mash-up of Homer’s Odyssey with the Black Sox Scandal in a steampunk milieu, but that’s another story…

GP: Characters in this setting have specific visual qualities (for instance goggles) incorporated into their design. Vampirella still looks very vampire like, but were there any design aspects that restricted what you thought that you could do with the story?

DA: I will admit that as a writer I’ve been struggling to come up with a reason for someone to actually USE those goggles, but human dress often has pointless design elements. I don’t actually use my tie to wipe my mouth with at the table, for example.

I find in some ways being in the steampunk setting is freeing rather than restricting. In the present day, anyone can call anyone on a cell phone, find out any information instantly. The characters having such conveniences can get in the way of drama. Sort of like on Star Trek… the communicators had to be blocked or stolen, and the transporter had to malfunction… like, all the time… or Kirk could simply pop out of any trouble he might find himself in. The writers had to solve that every week. Without those “modern” conveniences it’s easier to back characters into interesting corners. And that’s what action-adventure is all about: backing characters into interesting corners, and then getting them out again.

Review: Amala’s Blade #3

Posted on June 25, 2013 by

Steve Horton and illustrator Michael Dialynas bring readers the third installment in the Dark Horse mini-series Amala’s Blade, available this week. This series is great fun, the same caliber, excitement, and creativity as books like Akaneiro (also available this week) and Image’s Saga (a TPB is available for the second volume this week, too), and reminds me a lot of Lionhead Studios’ Fable.

Horton and Dialynas provide a world of magic and steampunk, sword fighting and ghosts, assassins and a religious war. It’s about being haunted (in Amala’s case, literally) by the ghosts of one’s past, and recognizing that they can help you kill people—or if you want to be non-violent and metaphorical, it’s about recognizing that past mistakes, triumphs, or failures are constant lessons.

Like Vaugh with Saga, Horton’s narrative always keeps me guessing, with ever more fantastic events and beings around the corner. It’s an original story mixed-and-matched from stories all across Nerdom, and reads a bit like something from Terry Pratchett. What’s even greater is that, despite a final lead, gender really is not an issue, and I haven’t found a single even semi-sexist or gender biased comment in the books. Now that’s a feat, especially when in female-centric books like Wonder Woman the eponymous Amazon can’t get away from Orion’s nickname “Legs.” Yes, Amala is a woman. And yes, she’s the most bad-ass assassin whose fate the balance of factional war hinges upon. No one turns a head (except when they’re getting killed).

Dialynas wonderfully illustrates this issue relying on a new color for the ghosts that has them standing out far better and looking more ghastly, though I really did like the bluish hue from earlier issues. I bring up color because Dialynas uses color to contrast the two opposing forces in this land: the Modifiers are typified by colors in shades of purple and black, while the Purifiers are more naturally colored. This contrast speaks to the artificial weirdness of the magically cyborg Modifiers, best exemplified in the canine cyborg wyrm which Amala fights and then commandeers.

Moreover, however, this issue is pivotal in moving the plot forward, and Horton easily weaves humor, emotional personal stories, and the fate of the land across the pages. I didn’t want Amala’s Blade #3 to end, but by the book’s close I was greatly satisfied to just soak up the art and get giddy for the next issue!

And I’m hoping that Amala’s Blade is not the last we’ll see of Horton and Dialynas’ wild world.

Story: Steve Horton Art: Michael Dialynas
Story: 8.5 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Best Comics of 2011

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Brett

It’s the first day of a new year and so that means we’re doing our “best of” listing of the top comic books for 2011. Generally these are comic books that came out in 2010, though some are from earlier times and we got around to reading them. Keep in mind, this is what I have read. If it’s not on here, I just might not have read it.

Best Super Hero Comic – Daredevil

Daredevil has had an interesting 2011, we started with Shadowland and then got Matt Murdock finding himself and then a relaunched back to basic series written by Mark Waid with art by Paolo Rivera. Shadowland wasn’t too bad, a bit uneven, but as a whole Marvel had issues with this year’s events. Seeing Murdock corrupt and the emotion from his friends was an interesting read. After you had Murdock wandering the country in short mini-series followed up by the relaunch.

It’s that relaunch that makes Daredevil stick out in my mind. It’s a comic I look forward to reading each month. Waid has given it a pulp action feel like classic Green Hornet or the Shadow and Rivera’s art is fantastic. The comic is just fun to read. On top of Waid’s take, Daredevil is now an Avenger and each of his brief appearances so far has enhanced that series. When you show up in an ensemble comic and steal the show, that says something.

Waid has set up a lot going into 2012, can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Runner Ups – Moon Knight, Uncanny X-Force, Aquaman

Best Non-Super Hero Comic –DMZ

Is there a more politically relevant comic book series out there? Every month we’re given something to think about as we follow Matty Roth through Manhattan which is now a DMZ in the middle of the second American Civil War.

Writer Brian Wood is able to pivot and comment on what’s currently happening in politics and the world challenging our perceptions and not seem preachy at the same time.

With some single issues that stand as some of the best of the year and numerous holy shit moments, this isn’t just one of the most relevant comics out there, but some of the best political commentary of any entertainment medium. Fittingly, this final week also brought us the final issue of the series, a perfect way to end the year.

Runner Ups – American Vampire, Chew, The Walking Dead

Best Limited Series or One Shot – Criminal: The Last Of The Innocent

Really, just sign me up for whatever Ed Brubaker and Sean Philips have in store. This latest volume of their crime/noir series from Marvel/Icon gave us a shit-head of a main character and kept us on our toes as to what to expect. Sean Philips also showed us something new by changing up the art style every so often.

These two are one of the best teams in comic books today. Early 2012 brings us Fatale from them to be published by Image which is more horror/noir. Hopefully we’ll be seeing another volume of this series as well.

I’m a huge fan up pulp/noir comics, and this is the gold standard by which all others are judged. Just fantastic.

Runner Ups – Critical Millennium, Severed, 27: Second Set

Best Single Issue – Transformers #22 and #23

Technically it’s two issues, but the story is spread out between the two issues and either stands out as the best. On top of that Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime reflects on what’s discussed in these issues as well. Megatron is captured and the two issues reflect on his and Optimus’ past and how they became who they are. Flash forward to the present and the two leaders debate politics and motives. It’s an adult discussion coming from two giant robots.

DMZ might have been “the” political discussion of the year, but these two issues I just didn’t expect it from. Absolutely fantastic and enough to give me pause and make me think.

What’s the difference between a terrorist and freedom fighter? Find out in these issues.

Worst Single Issue of the Year – Holy Terror

Just a holy piece of crap. This is up there as one of the worst things I’ve ever read. The graphic novel by legend Frank miller is racist, xenophobic, sexist and horribly written. Can’t believe we’ve waited so long to read it.

Runner Ups – The Infinite (any issue)

Best Graphic Novel/Trade Paperback – Green River Killer

Dark Horse’s Green River Killer is a true-crime story focused on the Green River serial killings. The writer was close to the subject, as his father was one of the lead detectives. The story has multiple layers, looking at how families were affected, the struggles the police went through and at the end, why the killer did what he did.

The graphic novel is haunting. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for many days it was that disturbing and unsettling. The art is good, but it’s the story that gets you. The whole time you’re wondering how they’re going to solve this, but also why is this happening.

Add in the fact this is a true story. It’s a disturbing true story. Being able to get some of the behind the scenes to a story I only know from newspapers and the nightly news, just adds more to it all.

Runner Ups – Any Empire, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand

Best Event of the Year – Uncanny X-Force: The Dark Angel Saga

I’m counting this as an event, though it’s really a long story arc. Rick Remender has put together the best “X” book put out by Marvel. This event which saw the rise of a new Apocalypse in the form of Archangel and X-Force is all that stands in the way between him and world destruction.

Diving into “X” lore with trips to the Age of Apocalypse universe, this was a story for the hard core “X” fans. But, more than that, everything was thrown into it. You had no idea what was going to come next and what to expect.

It wasn’t until I finally read the last issue that I know the ending, that’s how much of a big question mark Remender gave us. The follow as well was fantastic as why characters did what they did and a new status-quo and direction were set.

Runner Ups – Artifacts, Flashpoint

Best Genre of the Year – Horror

Horror was where it was at this year with DC folding in some Vertigo books and some great limited series like Severed. Animal Man, Swamp Thing, I, Vampire, B.P.R.D. and more lead the way to dethroning last year’s winner, a bunch of shuffling zombies (though that’s also horror in a way). I’ve never been creeped out more and enjoyed it as much.

Runner Up – Steampunk, Zombie

Best Comic Tie-In of the Year – Batman: Arkham City

I enjoy a video game or two (dozen). One of the best video games of the year, not just comic book tie-ins was Batman: Arkham City which just brought more of the brawler game. There’s a reason many are naming this as one of the best video games of the year and it’s sold so well. It’s that damn good.

The downloadable material which seems to be coming as a steady flow, the fact you can play as so many characters, that all adds up to a comic book experience you can control. Add in amazing graphics, game play and there you have it, it’s a must buy video game.

Runner Up – Marvel Universe toys, DC Universe Super Heroes Legos

Best Comic Book Related Movie – Thor

This year’s crop of comic book related movies wasn’t as amazing as I’d hope, but it’s a solid bunch. Marvel’s batch as what stood out and all three really deserve to share the honors. Each was excellent and flawed in their own ways, but out of the three Thor holds up best.

The story is pretty standard, didn’t really challenge me at all, but the visuals and Chris Hemsworth’s acting is what really makes it all stand out. The flaws also are the least of the bunch with only the final fight between Thor and the Destroyer really bothering me.

Out of the bunch, this was also the highest grossing, showing it wasn’t just me that liked it.

Runner Ups – Captain America: The First Avenger, X-Men: First Class

Best Surprise of the Year – DC New 52

This is a mixed one as DC’s relaunch is also a disappointment, but I’ll address it all here. DC made a bold move this year to shake up their sagging line of comic books by starting from the beginning and relaunching the entire line. It was gutsy. On top of that, their digital initiative was bold.

The story that lead up to it all, Flashpoint, was pretty damn good and what came out of it as well. I took a chance on all fifty-two issues and came away with giving half of them a chance for the second issue. From there, I made further cuts, but today, I’m reading more comics from DC than I ever have and their higher volumes they’re selling that the initiative has worked for the short term.

The disappointing part is that they didn’t go far enough. The comics were pretty standard and we didn’t get anything out of the box. There also was a clear audience, adolescent males (or men stuck in their adolescence). While we saw more advertising to the general public, we haven’t seen a sustained campaign. For all their gains in 2011, I think we’ll see a good chunk of it erode in 2012.

Biggest Disappointment of the Year – Marvel Events

Fear Itself and it’s follow up were and are bad. X-Men: Schism was ok, but much better than what was before. Shadowland was uneven. Marvel has been having some issues when it comes to their events. I won’t call it overall event fatigue in the industry as others have put out quality and showed what works.

Too many tie-ins, stories not thought out and gimmicky tricks paved the way to a substandard experience.

Marvel relied on the tired gimmick of death, killing the Ultimate Spider-Man, Bucky, the Human Torch and more, that all made headlines but some of it is already undone. There’s only so many times you can call death before the masses catch on and shrugs their shoulders.

Already we’re heading into more events at Marvel in 2012, here’s hoping there’s some improvement.

Runner Up – Green Lantern (movie), DCnU

Best Character – Moon Knight

Moon Knight has always been a character that’s intrigued me. Brian Michael Bendis, along with amazing art by Alex Maleev, have given us a new series that really looks at the many personalities of Marc Spector. The new series really has fun with the idea having Moon Knight drawing upon his personalities at different points.

Moon Knight is the psychotic Batman, a super hero struggling with mental illness. But is he really suffering from it? And should it be this much enjoyable to read?

Publisher of the Year – Archaia

Archaia received the honor last year as well, so let me really explain my logic here. Lets start with the big two, Marvel and DC. Marvel’s line has suffered in 2011, they’re out. DC made a bold choice, but four months letter, it all feels empty. There’s quality, but there’s also a lot that just doesn’t excite.

BOOM! made it’s case towards the end of the year with some great original series, along with some on-goings that continue to show off their quality. Add in a lot of licensed comics and they’ve got a line that has something for everyone. There were also some busts, but they’ve got a great line of comics. Image Comics, for all the quality also has some major duds. Inconsistency is the issue, but their quality is some of the best out there.

Dark Horse has some amazing comics. A lot of big name licenses and some good original, but there’s a lot of series I read and just didn’t interest me. Their quality though is up there. If your a Star Wars or Buffy fan too, they put out excellent product. Then we come to IDW Publishing. A lot of license there too, and also a lot of original material. Each week I see their new releases, I get excited, as a whole, I’m probably interested in more of their monthly comics percentage wise than any other publisher, and it’s all excellent.

And the big winner is Archaia. I should start with the presentation of the books. Beautiful covers and packaging is the first thing that sticks out. Their entire line of graphic novels are beautiful to look at on a shelf. Then there’s what’s in between those fancy covers. The variety of the books and quality is unmatched. I can find something for everyone and hand out one of their series or a graphic novel and know I’m good with my choice. All of what I read was good to great and much challenges story telling and comic book visuals.

Licensed books, original books, it’s all here. And it’s amazing. There’s comics for kids and adults and books kids and adults will love together. Books from the US and Europe, we have different styles and perspectives, it’s like the publisher goes out of it’s way to present choice and variety. And it’s all good.

I said it last year and it still holds true this year, when I think Archaia, I think high quality and expect the best. They continue to not let me down.

Runner Up – IDW Publishing